Anyone remember coming back from summer break and having to write an essay about what you did? Let’s make sure that essay is filled with meaningful, exciting, and valuable experiences!
I’m hoping you can learn from my mistakes. The summer after my freshman year of college, I went back home, took a class at the local community college, and worked in a law firm scanning documents. To be honest, it was a pretty miserable summer. I knew I needed to make some money and I wanted to make sure I was able to keep up with my college classes, so it made sense at the time. But, looking back I realize that was a missed opportunity and I don’t want the same thing to happen to you!
So, now is the time to start thinking about your summer plans! Summer can be a great time to find cool experiences with children, save up some money, and spend some time reflecting on yourself and your personal goals.
I’ve seen students spend their summers in some very creative ways! But, here are my top 3 suggestions of PAID ways to spend your summer.
Top 3 Suggestions of Paid Experiences
Medical Camps: These camps take place all over the country and even virtually. I personally worked at a medical camp for the summer as a paid summer staffer! Lodging and food was included and I gained amazing experiences working with kids. From cancer to foster care, I was able to work with children from all over the state who had experienced something challenging in their lives. If you aren’t able to dedicate a whole summer, you can look into week long volunteer opportunities!
Some camps that I know of:
- Serious Fun Children’s Network (Has camps around the world)
- Camp Twin Lakes (Georgia)
- Camp for All (Texas)
- Hole in the Wall Gang (Connecticut and Virtual)
- Camp John Marc (Texas)
- Camp Good Days (New York)
- Camp Kids are Kids (Chicago)
- Camp Boggy Creek (Florida)
- Aurora Day Camp (Must be located in Atlanta, GA)
Non-Medical Summer Camps
These experiences are typically paid and provide you with an amazing experience! Through camp you usually get to implement and plan activities for large groups of kids with varying age levels. You also get to work on communication with parents and work as part of a team of summer staff members. These camps can be overnight or day camps. Common places to look for summer camp positions:
- The YMCA
- Your local Boys & Girls Clubs
- Girl Scout or Boy Scout Groups
- Local nature centers
- Local children’s art centers
- Children’s museums
- Community Theater Groups
- You can also check out your local government pages for a list of available summer programs for children
Nannying/Baby-Sitting
If you can find a steady, reliable nanny position over the summer this is a great way to make some money while also learning a lot about child development, interacting with families, and working with siblings. When I finished my master’s degree I was a summer nanny for three children. The oldest child had experience with cancer and as soon as I told the mom I was pursuing child life she basically hired me on the spot! The child had a g-tube and his previous diagnosis impacted the family even though he was done with treatment. I learned a lot!
How do you find these positions?
- I have found that local mom/parent facebook pages can be very successful! I have found babysitters this way and found jobs myself.
- You can try care.com but I’ve never had much success with this…
- If you already work at a school, church daycare program, or other organization let the parents know you are available!
- If you have friends that already baby-sit ask them to pass your information along! Word of mouth among moms/caregivers is very powerful.
Top 3 Suggestions of Unpaid Ways to Spend Your Summer
Children’s Hospital Volunteer
- This will always be the best way to learn about child life and gain experience. This also lets you know if you are comfortable in a hospital setting. Are you able to engage with kids in hospital beds? Give parents a break? Handle sights, sounds and smells of the hospital? Typically, hospitals only require 1 shift a week, which allows you to still hold a job elsewhere.
- The volunteer process can take several months so I recommend starting now!
Medical Camps
- If you miss out on the deadlines for working at a medical camp or can’t dedicate an entire summer to it, being a camp volunteer is a great alternative! Some camps even have weekend camps in the summer and during the year that need volunteers.
Volunteering with alternative organizations
- I’ve seen some really creative experiences that students have found. I’ve seen volunteer work at the Ronald McDonald House, advocacy centers, bereavement centers, medical offices, women’s shelters, tutoring, the list is endless.
- Looking for organizations that support families? Check out this list of resources and organizations from Child Life Mommy (https://childlifemommy.com/resources/). This list will give you a lot of ideas of places where you can work or volunteer with families!
As you plan your summer, it is important to make the most of your time. For me, this means finding a balance. Find a new experience that excites you but also remember to take some time to fuel your other interests. Read, travel, listen to podcasts, spend time doing the hobbies and activities that you enjoy outside of child life! You are more than an aspiring child life specialist.
